Amazon Under Fire: Teamsters President Sean O’Brien Labels Tech Giant a ‘White-Collar Crime Syndicate’

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien has escalated his union’s opposition against Amazon, branding the e-commerce giant as its “biggest opponent” and accusing it of operating like a “white-collar crime syndicate.”

Speaking in response to reports that only about 2,400 employees at Amazon’s Massachusetts facilities receive food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), O’Brien warned that Amazon is becoming an overwhelming force threatening working-class communities. He declared, “They are the worst,” emphasizing concerns over how Amazon dominates labor markets and exerts undue influence on local economies.

O’Brien argued that Amazon’s expansion in logistics and cloud computing poses a significant threat to blue-collar workers specifically, questioning whether such reports represent a nationwide pattern or just an understatement of the company’s impact. He noted, “Amazon is not doing enough for its employees,” given the limited scope of SNAP benefits among their workforce.

The union leader further accused Amazon of exploiting distressed communities and using its rapid growth to influence public policy far beyond traditional retail sectors. His comments reflect a broader shift in labor sentiment, where Big Tech is increasingly seen as a common target across political divides.

Eileen Hards, a Teamsters spokesperson, countered O’Brien’s claims by accusing the union leadership of misleading the public with false allegations and “illegal tactics,” including threats and intimidation against workers to coerce union membership. She stated that Amazon already provides competitive wages, immediate health benefits upon hiring, and career development opportunities as claimed in their demands.

O’Brien also addressed the evolving workforce landscape, particularly the role of artificial intelligence. He believes AI could decrease white-collar jobs requiring degrees while increasing demand for skilled trades—jobs like construction or plumbing—that can’t be automated easily. This pivot toward blue-collar work might actually boost union recruitment if workers seek stability through hands-on skills.

This latest stance comes as O’Brien has increasingly distanced himself from Democrats, criticizing them for abandoning working-class interests during the recent presidential campaign and aligning with President Donald Trump on issues like labor policies that threaten unions.